Mallory Tolley, agriculture educator at Knoxville High School, has been recognized as the West Central Regional Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program.
Celebrating its 52nd year, the program acknowledges educators who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools across the state.
Tolley, with 12 years of dedicated teaching, has played a pivotal role in advancing citizenship, leadership and service among her students. Specializing in agriculture science, mechanics, business, and horticulture courses, Tolley is committed to equipping her students with the skills needed to thrive in both higher education and trade professions.
As the FFA advisor, Tolley has successfully expanded the chapter from 37 members to 111, emphasizing community service through various projects. Noteworthy among them is her recent initiative to establish a sustainable “farm to fork” concept on the Knoxville campus. After securing more than $120,000 in funds and garnering support from the school board, Tolley spearheaded the installation of a greenhouse and hydroponics system. The project also includes future plans for a community garden and orchard.
In addition to her outstanding contributions to education, Tolley achieved a significant personal milestone in 2014 by obtaining her master’s degree in Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Illinois University. Outside the classroom, she remains actively involved on her family’s farm, assisting her two children in raising and showcasing Berkshire pigs and Angus cattle.
All awardees, including Tolley, will be honored at the annual banquet in the spring.
